The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its regulations that govern homeless veterans to conform to recent statutory requirements. VA is amending the definition of homeless veterans by including veterans who would otherwi …

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its regulations that govern homeless veterans to conform to recent statutory requirements. VA is amending the definition of homeless veterans by including veterans who would otherwise be ineligible to receive certain benefits because of their length of service or type of discharge from the Armed Forces. This rule will also increase the payment of per diem in cases where homeless veterans are placed in transitional housing that will become permanent housing. This final rule is an essential part of VA's attempts to eliminate homelessness among the veteran population.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its medical regulations by standardizing the delivery of care by VA health care providers through telehealth. This rule would ensure that VA health care providers provide the sa …

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its medical regulations by standardizing the delivery of care by VA health care providers through telehealth. This rule would ensure that VA health care providers provide the same level of care to all beneficiaries, irrespective of the State or location in a State of the VA health care provider or the beneficiary. This proposed rule would achieve important Federal interests by increasing the availability of mental health, specialty, and general clinical care for all beneficiaries.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adopts as final, with changes, a proposed rule governing the approval of a community residential care facility (CRC). The final rule prohibits a CRC from employing an individual who has been conv …

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adopts as final, with changes, a proposed rule governing the approval of a community residential care facility (CRC). The final rule prohibits a CRC from employing an individual who has been convicted in a court of law of certain listed crimes within 7 years of conviction, or has had a finding within 6 months entered into an applicable State registry or with the applicable licensing authority concerning abuse, neglect, mistreatment of individuals or misappropriation of property. The CRC is required to conduct an individual assessment of suitability for employment for any conviction or finding outside either the 7 year or 6 month parameters. The CRCs is also required to develop and implement written policies and procedures that prohibit mistreatment, neglect, and abuse of residents and misappropriation of resident property. The CRC must report and investigate any allegations of abuse or mistreatment. The CRC must also screen individuals who are not CRC residents, but have direct access to a veteran living in a CRC. In addition, we are amending the rule regarding the maximum number of beds allowed in a resident's bedroom. VA published the proposed rule on November 12, 2015, and we received four public comments. We also received correspondence from a federal agency with recommendations. This final rule responds to public comments and feedback from that federal agency.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its regulations concerning the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program. These amendments would provide GPD with increased flexibility to: respond to the changin …

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its regulations concerning the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program. These amendments would provide GPD with increased flexibility to: respond to the changing needs of homeless veterans; repurpose existing and future funds more efficiently; and allow recipients the ability to add, modify, or eliminate components of funded programs. The proposed rule updates these regulations to better serve our homeless veteran population and the recipients who serve them.

Use of Medicare Procedures To Enter Into Provider Agreements for Extended Care Services

Proposed Rule

2017-09449

05/10/2017

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Veterans Affairs Department

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register on February 13, 2013, that proposed amending its regulations to allow VA to enter into provider agreements to obtain extende …

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register on February 13, 2013, that proposed amending its regulations to allow VA to enter into provider agreements to obtain extended care services for Veterans from community providers. Since publication of that proposed rule, further review has led VA to conclude VA cannot achieve the proposal's goals without a statutory change. For this reason, VA withdraws the proposed rule.

Payment or Reimbursement for Certain Medical Expenses for Camp Lejeune Family Members

Rule

2017-09163

05/05/2017

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Veterans Affairs Department

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adopts as final an interim final rule addressing payment or reimbursement of certain medical expenses for family members of Camp Lejeune veterans. Under this rule, VA reimburses family members, …

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adopts as final an interim final rule addressing payment or reimbursement of certain medical expenses for family members of Camp Lejeune veterans. Under this rule, VA reimburses family members, or pays providers, for medical expenses incurred as a result of certain illnesses and conditions that may be associated with contaminants present in the base water supply at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (Camp Lejeune), North Carolina, from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987. Payment or reimbursement is made within the limitations set forth in statute and Camp Lejeune family members receive hospital care and medical services that are consistent with the manner in which we provide hospital care and medical services to Camp Lejeune veterans. The statutory authority has since been amended to also include certain veterans' family members who resided at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for no less than 30 days (consecutive or nonconsecutive) between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. This final rule will reflect that statutory change and will address public comments received in response to the interim final rule.

Fertility Counseling and Treatment for Certain Veterans and Spouses, Correction

Rule

2017-03319

02/21/2017

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Veterans Affairs Department

The Department of Veterans Affairs published in the Federal Register on January 19, 2017, an interim final rulemaking adding a new section authorizing in vitro fertilization (IVF) for a veteran with a service-connected disability …

The Department of Veterans Affairs published in the Federal Register on January 19, 2017, an interim final rulemaking adding a new section authorizing in vitro fertilization (IVF) for a veteran with a service-connected disability that results in the inability of the veteran to procreate without the use of fertility treatment. In addition, we added a new section authorizing VA to provide fertility counseling and treatment using assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including IVF, to a spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability that results in the inability of the veteran to procreate without the use of fertility treatment. These sections contain an error regarding the expiration date VA's authority to provide health care services. This document corrects the errors and does not make any substantive change to the content of the interim final rule.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amends its regulation regarding fertility counseling and treatment available to certain veterans and spouses. VA currently provides certain infertility services other than in vitro fertilization …

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amends its regulation regarding fertility counseling and treatment available to certain veterans and spouses. VA currently provides certain infertility services other than in vitro fertilization (IVF) to veterans as part of the medical benefits package. IVF is the process of fertilization by manually fertilizing an egg, and then transferring the embryo to the uterus. This interim final rulemaking adds a new section authorizing IVF for a veteran with a service-connected disability that results in the inability of the veteran to procreate without the use of fertility treatment. In addition, we add a new section stating that VA may provide fertility counseling and treatment using assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including IVF, to a spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability that results in the inability of the veteran to procreate without the use of fertility treatment. VA will provide ART treatment, including IVF, to these veterans and spouses as specified in the Continuing Appropriations and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017, and Zika Response and Preparedness Act to the extent such services are consistent with the services available to enrolled veterans under the medical benefits package.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is issuing this final rule to update and modernize the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records regulations and facilitate information exchange within new healt …

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is issuing this final rule to update and modernize the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records regulations and facilitate information exchange within new health care models while addressing the legitimate privacy concerns of patients seeking treatment for a substance use disorder. These modifications also help clarify the regulations and reduce unnecessary burden.

On Feb. 9, 2016, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed policy changes to update and modernize the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse …

On Feb. 9, 2016, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed policy changes to update and modernize the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records (42 CFR part 2). SAMHSA explained in the NPRM that these changes were intended to better align the regulations with advances in the U.S. health care delivery system while retaining important privacy protections for individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders. The last substantive update to these regulations was in 1987. SAMHSA is issuing this Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM) to propose additional clarifications to the part 2 regulations as amended by the concurrently issued final rule. As noted in the final rule, 42 CFR part 2 Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records, questions raised by commenters highlighted varying interpretations of the 1987 rule's restrictions on lawful holders and their contractors and subcontractors' use and disclosure of part 2-covered data for purposes of carrying out payment, health care operations, and other health care related activities. In consideration of this feedback and given the critical role that third-party payers, other lawful holders, and their contractors, subcontractors, and legal representatives play in the provision of health care services, SAMHSA is issuing this SNPRM to seek further comments on our proposals to address and help clarify these matters before establishing any appropriate restrictions on disclosures to contractors, subcontractors and legal representatives.

Repayment by VA of Educational Loans for Certain Psychiatrists; Correction

Rule

2017-00232

01/17/2017

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Veterans Affairs Department

The Department of Veterans Affairs published in the Federal Register on September 29, 2016, a document amending its regulations concerning the repayment of educational loans for certain psychiatrists who agree to a period of obligated …

The Department of Veterans Affairs published in the Federal Register on September 29, 2016, a document amending its regulations concerning the repayment of educational loans for certain psychiatrists who agree to a period of obligated service with VA. The document contained several section and paragraph numbering errors. This document corrects the errors and does not make any substantive change to the content of the final rule.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its medical regulations to permit full practice authority of three roles of VA advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) when they are acting within the scope of their VA em …

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its medical regulations to permit full practice authority of three roles of VA advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) when they are acting within the scope of their VA employment. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) will not be included in VA's full practice authority under this final rule, but comment is requested on whether there are access issues or other unconsidered circumstances that might warrant their inclusion in a future rulemaking. The final rulemaking establishes the professional qualifications an individual must possess to be appointed as an APRN within VA, establishes the criteria under which VA may grant full practice authority to an APRN, and defines the scope of full practice authority for each of the three roles of APRN. The services provided by an APRN under full practice authority in VA are consistent with the nursing profession's standards of practice for such roles. This rulemaking increases veterans' access to VA health care by expanding the pool of qualified health care professionals who are authorized to provide primary health care and other related health care services to the full extent of their education, training, and certification, without the clinical supervision of physicians, and it permits VA to use its health care resources more effectively and in a manner that is consistent with the role of APRNs in the non-VA health care sector, while maintaining the patient-centered, safe, high-quality health care that veterans receive from VA.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amends its medical regulations concerning the copayment required for certain medications. This rulemaking freezes copayments at the current rate for veterans in priority groups 2 through 8 through February 26, 2017.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amends its medical regulations concerning the copayment required for certain medications. This rulemaking freezes copayments at the current rate for veterans in priority groups 2 through 8 through February 26, 2017.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is adding to its medical regulations a program for the repayment of educational loans for certain psychiatrists who agree to a period of obligated service with VA. This program is intended to i …

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is adding to its medical regulations a program for the repayment of educational loans for certain psychiatrists who agree to a period of obligated service with VA. This program is intended to increase the pool of qualified VA psychiatrists and increase veterans' access to mental health care.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adopts as final, without change, an interim final rule amending its medical regulations. Specifically, this rule allows veterans to complete applications for health care enrollment by pr …

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adopts as final, without change, an interim final rule amending its medical regulations. Specifically, this rule allows veterans to complete applications for health care enrollment by providing application information, agreeing to VA's provisions regarding copayment liability and assignment of third-party insurance benefits, and attesting to the accuracy and authenticity of the information provided to a VA employee over the phone. This action makes it easier for veterans to apply to enroll and speeds VA processing of applications.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is removing its medical regulation that governs medications provided in Alaska and territories and possessions of the United States because this regulation is otherwise subsumed by another VA …

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is removing its medical regulation that governs medications provided in Alaska and territories and possessions of the United States because this regulation is otherwise subsumed by another VA medical regulation related to provision of medications that are prescribed by non-VA providers.

This document amends Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations to reflect a statutory mandate that VA provide health care to certain veterans who served at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for at least 30 days during the period beg …

This document amends Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations to reflect a statutory mandate that VA provide health care to certain veterans who served at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for at least 30 days during the period beginning on August 1, 1953, and ending on December 31, 1956. The law requires VA to furnish hospital care and medical services for these veterans for certain illnesses and conditions that may be attributed to exposure to toxins in the water system at Camp Lejeune. This rule does not address the statutory provision requiring VA to provide health care to these veterans' family members; regulations applicable to such family members will be promulgated through a separate final rule.

In accordance with the provisions of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, the Department of Justice is adjusting for inflation civil monetary penalties assessed or enforced by components of the Department.

In accordance with the provisions of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, the Department of Justice is adjusting for inflation civil monetary penalties assessed or enforced by components of the Department.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proposing to amend its medical regulations to permit full practice authority of all VA advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) when they are acting within the scope of their VA employme …

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proposing to amend its medical regulations to permit full practice authority of all VA advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) when they are acting within the scope of their VA employment. This rulemaking would increase veterans' access to VA health care by expanding the pool of qualified health care professionals who are authorized to provide primary health care and other related health care services to the full extent of their education, training, and certification, without the clinical supervision of physicians. This rule would permit VA to use its health care resources more effectively and in a manner that is consistent with the role of APRNs in the non-VA health care sector, while maintaining the patient-centered, safe, high-quality health care that veterans receive from VA. The proposed rulemaking would establish additional professional qualifications an individual must possess to be appointed as an APRN within VA. The proposed rulemaking would subdivide APRN's into four separate categories that include certified nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, and certified nurse-midwife. The proposed rulemaking would also provide the criteria under which VA may grant full practice authority to an APRN, and define the scope of full practice authority for each category of APRN. VA intends that the services to be provided by an APRN in one of the four APRN roles would be consistent with the nursing profession's standards of practice for such roles.

The Department of Veterans Affairs published in the Federal Register of December 1, 2015, a document amending its medical regulations that implement section 101 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. In that r …

The Department of Veterans Affairs published in the Federal Register of December 1, 2015, a document amending its medical regulations that implement section 101 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. In that rule, two paragraphs were inadvertently removed. This document corrects that error.